A year-round guide to carnival, concerts, theatre and local festivals
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria has a lively events calendar, from February's spectacular carnival to summer concerts, theatre and open-air festivals. This guide introduces the city's main annual celebrations, cultural venues and where to find out what's on during your stay.
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria has more than 500 years of history behind it, but the city's cultural life is anything but old-fashioned. Throughout the year, the streets, parks and theatres fill up with festivals, concerts and celebrations that draw locals, islanders and visitors alike. The biggest event is the carnival in February, but there is always something happening, from open-air jazz to religious processions through the old town.
Most events take place in a handful of well-known spots: Parque Santa Catalina, the Plaza de la Música next to the Auditorio Alfredo Kraus, Plaza Santa Ana in front of the cathedral in Vegueta, Parque San Telmo in Triana, and Plaza Cairasco. Larger trade and exhibition events are held at the INFECAR fairground, further from the coast.
Carnival & Spring Festivals
The Carnaval de Las Palmas in February is one of the largest carnivals in Spain, with parades, live music, costume competitions and street parties that run for several weeks. In April, the city hosts its international film festival, and Easter (Semana Santa) brings solemn processions through the old streets of Vegueta and Triana, a striking contrast to the noise of carnival just a few weeks earlier.
Summer Festivals & Concerts
June marks the Fiestas Fundacionales, the city's founding celebrations, with a full week of concerts, sport and open-air events leading up to the Noche de San Juan on 24 June, when bonfires are lit along Playa de las Canteras. From July into August, the Temudas Fest brings contemporary theatre, dance and music to venues across the city. Classical music lovers can look forward to the opera and music festival at the Auditorio Alfredo Kraus, alongside zarzuela performances, a theatre and dance festival, and the Canarias Jazz festival.
Museums, Theatres & Exhibition Venues
Beyond the festival calendar, Las Palmas has a strong year-round cultural scene. The Teatro Pérez Galdós in Vegueta and the Teatro Cuyas both run regular theatre programmes, while the Auditorio Alfredo Kraus, right on the seafront, hosts concerts and festivals throughout the year. Smaller venues such as La Cicca and the Gabinete Literario add to the mix with exhibitions, talks and cultural events, many of them free to attend.
The old town neighbourhoods of Triana and Vegueta are also home to several museums covering the history of Las Palmas, Canarian art and science. Art centres and galleries across the city hold rotating exhibitions from Canarian and international artists, often with free entry.
Christmas & Winter Events
Christmas in Las Palmas has its own character, with the city's famous sand nativity scene built on Playa de las Canteras among the highlights. The Rally Gran Canaria, a motorsport event through the island's mountain roads, is another well-known fixture on the calendar. .
Getting There / Transport Connections
Most event venues are within walking distance of central Las Palmas and Santa Catalina, and are easy to reach on foot if you are staying in the Santa Catalina or old town areas. For venues further out, local Guaguas Municipales city buses connect the main neighbourhoods with the coast. . If you are arriving from the airport for an event, see our transfer and airport bus pages for the best way into the city.
Nearby Attractions
| Attraction | Why visit |
|---|---|
| Playa de las Canteras | City beach right next to the carnival and Noche de San Juan celebrations |
| Vegueta & Triana Old Town | Historic streets that host Easter processions and open-air exhibitions |
| Auditorio Alfredo Kraus | The city's main concert venue for opera, jazz and classical music |
| Sightseeing in Las Palmas | Full overview of the city's historic sights and neighbourhoods |